Local MP shows support for black, Asian and minority ethnic women living with breast cancer

Steve McCabe MP for Birmingham, Selly Oak has joined campaigners from leading charity ‘Breast Cancer Care’ to show his support for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) women living with breast cancer.

Steve met with campaigners to mark the launch of a new report which highlights that BAME women do not always get the support they need after they have finished their treatment for breast cancer.

Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, and in collaboration with King’s College London, the charity undertook a research project to understand how services that support people after breast cancer treatment can be culturally adapted. Every year around 58,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK – that’s the equivalent of one person every 10 minutes. Many of these women can feel lost and unable to return to normal life when they have completed their hospital-based treatment. Breast Cancer Care’s research found that BAME women have additional needs, many of which are not being met.

These can include isolation, due to the stigma of cancer in some communities, as well as language barriers. Some services do not offer support that is suitable for all, for example by offering lymphoedema sleeves in different skin tones or healthy lifestyle information that takes different religions into account.

Steve McCabe MP said:

“It is vital that everyone, regardless of their ethnicity or social background, gets the support they need to live well after their breast cancer treatment. Support for people living with the disease has to be inclusive to all backgrounds.”

David Crosby, Director of Services and Engagement at Breast Cancer Care, added:

“We want to thank Steve for showing his support for our work. We believe that everyone should get the support they need to live well after they have finished their treatment for breast cancer.

“Our research has found that some people, particularly from black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities, can find themselves without support that is adapted to their needs. We urge all providers of support to ensure that their services are inclusive for all.”